How brave metro cop died fighting suspected robber

THE four suspects arrested over the murder of Metro Police Constable Tyler Lamb are expected  in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing other charges of business robbery and  illegal possession of ammunition. 

Lamb died after falling from the roof while embroiled in a scuffle with an armed suspect he had been chasing.  

Safety and security mayco member JP Smith said the 30-year-old officer was part of the newly deployed Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) at the time of the incident. 

“According to the information obtained by our Safety and Security Investigative Unit (SSIU) the officers were conducting a Vehicle Check Point along Voortrekker Road, Kensington when they observed the driver of a Toyota Yaris behaving suspiciously. The motorist refused to stop and sped away as the officers gave chase,” said  Smith.

The vehicle was later stopped and officers witnessed a group of  suspects fleeing on foot into a nearby building. 

“Officers called for back-up and one suspect handed himself over. On entering the building they were informed that a suspect had climbed onto the roof. Constable Lamb attempted to arrest the suspect but during the scuffle the officer was thrown from the roof. The suspect was arrested on the scene,” said Smith. 

Officers found live ammunition in the abandoned vehicle and further investigations revealed the group had allegedly been  part of a business robbery in the area.

Two additional suspects were later arrested by SAPS. 

“We also call on the courts to oppose the release of these suspects on bail as the investigation continues. If we cannot protect our officers, they cannot protect the public. Our thoughts are with his family. We will continue to support them in any way we can while we pursue justice for Tyler,” said Smith. 

His office also confirmed that Lamb’s family had requested privacy and will speak publicly at the right time.

Cape Times